Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Ultrasound Versus Radiography For Evaluating Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Sayed H. Aftab, Santiago Martinez-Correa, Minh-Huy Huynh, Wondwossen T. Lerebo, Jorge Delgado, Rebecca Denis, Misun Hwang

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Purpose:

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an abdominal inflammatory condition that is common in premature neonates. Although abdominal radiograph (AR) remains the imaging standard for NEC, it may miss up to 50% of early signs of NEC and has been described to have a sensitivity as low as 15.4% for detecting pneumoperitoneum. Abdominal ultrasound (US) is portable, non-invasive, and allows real-time bowel integrity, movement, and perfusion assessment. We aim to evaluate the concordance between US and AR in detecting NEC features and the diagnostic performance of both modalities in detecting pneumoperitoneum.

Methods and materials:

We conducted an IRB-approved retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center …

Cva In Patient With Systemic Sclerosis On Aspirin Therapy: A Case Report, Rahyan Mahmud, Bianna Koutsenko, Kenneth Goich, Usaid Hasan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by microvascular damage and multiorgan fibrosis. These patients have a higher risk of cerebrovascular events, but it is difficult to develop strategies for prevention due to limited understanding of underlying pathophysiology.

Case Presentation

A 76-year-old female with a history of systemic sclerosis presented to the emergency department with acute onset slurred speech, facial droop, and left arm pain with a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale of 1. She was outside the thrombolytic window. Other history includes hypertension and hyperlipidemia; both were well controlled. MRI confirmed right frontal lobe ischemic stroke …

Pituitary Adenoma Presenting As Cranial Nerve Iii Palsy And Hemifacial Pain, Yoona Choe, Justin George, Matthew Boyle, Peter Maduka

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Pituitary adenomas are common neoplasms arising from the pituitary adenohypophyseal cell. They can be classified by cell type, size and as nonfunctioning or functioning based on the secretion of pituitary hormones. Of these, approximately 48% are macroadenomas (>10 mm) and approximately 53% are prolactinomas. For how common these adenomas are, only 1 of 1100 persons manifest clinical symptoms¹ rendering detection and clinical management challenging.

Non-functioning adenomas are slow growing like most pituitary adenomas and are usually detected due to their mass effect on neighboring structures.² The majority of the reported symptoms as a results of these mass …

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Referrals In Cancer Patients, Bhumik Patel, Venkateswar Venkataraman, Deanna Janora, Jack Goldberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) can address functional limitations in various conditions, including cancer. Cancer rehabilitation aims to address functional impairments resulting from both the disease itself and its treatments, striving to optimize physical, social, psychological, and vocational functioning. Existing literature indicates that PM&R services significantly benefit cancer patients by improving their overall quality of life. Studies have found that optimal utilization of PM&R services can increase the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) in cancer patients. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Cancer Society guidelines emphasize the importance of incorporating PM&R services into oncology care to enhance the function and …

Brain Connectivity Pattern Changes Associated With Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy, Prince Patel, Samrat Gollapudi, Brian Joseph Mathew, Bhaumik Patel

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Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) has shown promising therapeutic benefits for various psychiatric disorders, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of psychedelics on brain connectivity patterns using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar databases using relevant keywords related to psychedelics, connectivity, therapy, and fMRI. Only studies involving major psychedelic compounds (LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca) and measuring outcomes via fMRI were included.

The findings from the reviewed studies suggest that psychedelics induce acute disruptions in normal large-scale brain network patterns, leading to a compromised modular but …

A Hiccup In The Road: Omm In The Medically Complex, Catherine F. Alapatt

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Many patients in the hospital require multiple medications to treat their medical concerns. While medications may be highly effective, they can cause a variety of side effects. Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) can be used as an adjuvant therapy, potentially decreasing the number of medications that patients are on and their side effects. We present a unique case of a patient with intractable hiccups who could not be solely managed with medications alone. OMM was used in this patient’s treatment plan, reducing the number of medications. The implications of this case demonstrate the need for OMM to be used more frequently …

A Deep Dive Into The Relationship Between Sleep Deprivation And Pain Perception: A Cross-Population Analysis, Adam T. Friedman, Kevin Regan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Sleep deprivation and pain perception significantly impact one another through altered sleep parameters such as Total Sleep Time (TST) and Sleep Efficiency (SE). Particularly in neuropathic pain, disturbed sleep exacerbates pain by disrupting neurobiological mediators like opioids and serotonin. Our research examined how sleep loss affects pain in chronic conditions versus healthy individuals. This research underpins our analysis of how interventions, possibly nutritional, could improve sleep quality and modulate pain perception, exploring this relationship across diverse populations and conditions.

Methods: Our study reviewed peer-reviewed articles published since 2010 on sleep deprivation and pain perception. We searched PubMed, focusing on …

Gut Microbiome And Nutrition Interplay In Regulating And Improving Autism Spectrum Disorder Related Social Symptoms, Irenonsen Juliet Eigbe, Christian Moya Gamboa, Jana Gjini, Jaydeep Mukherjee, Susrut Dube

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The composition of the gut microbiome has been shown to play a role in the onset of neurological disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD). A small variety of recent research articles identify a possible link between onset and severity of ASD related behaviors and the composition of the gut microbiome. The purpose of this review is to identify gaps in the current understanding of the role that nutrition plays in changing the gut microbiome and subsequently altering the onset and severity of behavioral phenotypes in children with ASD. Inclusion criteria comprises peer-reviewed publications relating to children with autism. Exclusion criteria consists …

Updates To Acne Vulgaris Treatment: A Review Of A Topical Androgen Receptor Inhibitor, Catherine F. Alapatt, Klaudia Matanaj

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Acne Vulgaris is an inflammatory skin disorder that is common among adolescents and young adults. Acne is defined as a chronic inflammatory dermatosis which consists of open comedones (blackheads), closed comedones (whiteheads) and inflammatory lesions.1 There are many ways to combat acne, one of which is to stop the effects of androgens on androgen receptors. Here we will review Clascoterone, a medication approved for the treatment of acne. Clascoterone is the first topical medication to target the hormonal pathogenesis of acne. It was approved by the FDA in 2020 and is effective in treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 …

The Impact Of Vitamin Supplementation (D, B12, B9) On Behaviors Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rohan Mehra

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Background: One in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although heritability of the condition ranges from 40 to 80%, other factors such as vitamin levels, may have a significant impact on the risk of development. These vitamins include D, B12, and B9.

Purpose: To assess the impact vitamin supplementation has on behaviors associated with ASD, and to determine which specific aspects of ASD may be improved with vitamin supplementation.

Methods: A literature review was performed. The search was utilized PubMed, JSTOR and Web of Science. Keyword strings included: “Vitamin D B12 B9 folate …

Cut The Pressure: Blood Pressure Screening In A Community Based Setting, Harold Kareem Knight Jr., Katharine Milani

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This study addresses the pressing issue of cardiovascular health disparities in African American males through community-based interventions, specifically blood pressure screenings and surveys conducted in a local barbershop setting. Despite a preference among participants for clinical settings, an overwhelming 97.7% expressed high comfort levels in the community-based environment, highlighting the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in healthcare delivery. With 92.5% indicating willingness to return for future screenings, the study underscores the efficacy of non-traditional settings in fostering healthcare engagement. Findings suggest the potential for broader impact through scalable, community-centric initiatives, offering promising avenues for improving health outcomes in underserved populations.

Investigating The Efficacy Of Myo-Inositol In Adolescents With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Scoping Review, Mariam Sharobeem

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 6 to 13% of adolescent girls in the United States.6 PCOS poses difficulty with diagnosing and treatment with adolescents as its symptoms are heterogenous and are often rationalized with other diagnoses. Key diagnostic features of PCOS include irregular menstruation, infertility, obesity, hirsutism, increased risk of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, lipid abnormalities and metabolic syndrome.12 Currently, there are no pharmacological therapies approved by the FDA to treat PCOS.5 Alternatives include pharmacological management of symptoms with medications like combined oral contraceptive pills, metformin and anti-obesity agents.6 Recently, more discussion about the lack of PCOS treatment has been …

Insurance Status And Its Effect On Mothers With Postpartum Depression (Ppd) In The United States, Nikita Paranjape, Sanjana Davuluri, Alexander Youssef, Lillian J. Alonzo, Akshad Thirugnanam, Cara Fogarty

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant health issue in the US today: 1 in 8 new mothers experience symptoms of PPD. Understanding how social determinants of health impact the short and long-term health outcomes of patients with PPD is key to providing interventions that are effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered. In this literature review, we aimed to shed light on the association between discrepancies in health outcomes of mothers with PPD and their insurance status. A search was conducted across PubMed and ProQuest Central databases focusing on literature from 2014 onwards. Studies that explored factors contributing to PPD, the impact …

Singh Thattha Beard Covering Technique And Quantitative Fit Testing Of A Tight-Fitting Filtering Facepiece (Ffp3), Harmann Singh, Allen Ecker, Todd Schachter, Thomas Boyle, Matthew Vanek

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Singh Thattha beard covering technique when quantitatively fit testing tight-fitting filtering face masks (N95 respirators) on male members of the Sikh religious group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sikh healthcare workers faced the difficult decision of either shaving their unshorn beards to continue their profession or finding alternative solutions to maintain adequate respiratory protection. The study used a quantitative fit test method to measure the number of particles inside and outside the mask, calculating a fit factor. Participants performed exercises while wearing an N95 respirator and then repeated the exercises with a …

Potential Mechanisms For New Onset Atrial Fibrillation In Covid-19 Patients, Raghav Gupta, Yara Assadi, Shaniece Nicole Lawrence, Erika Jeanie Pitsker, Michael Scott Bickford Jr., Victoria Amber Saniko

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: This study shows the prevalence of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in COVID-19 patients and highlights the most prevalent explanatory pathologic theories for the correlation.

Methods: The authors carried out a literature review over PubMed using the keywords “atrial fibrillation” and “long-term COVID.” 48 articles were reviewed. Articles relating to new onset of atrial fibrillation in COVID-19 patients were included while articles posted before 2020, not related to COVID and atrial fibrillation were excluded.

Results: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in COVID patients is often reported to be around 17%, however 44% of patients within Intensive Care units (ICU) have atrial …

Review Of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures And Patient-Centered Approaches To Care, Rabeel Ahmad, Rebekah Dietrich, Munaza Khan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are defined as involuntary experiential and behavioral responses to internal or external stimuli. They are behaviors, not associated with pathological alterations in the physiology of the brain. Although some of them mimic syncope, they have historically been regarded to clinically resemble epileptic episodes.

There is a multiplicity of different names for this condition. PNES is the most widely used term, though the term "functional seizures" is increasingly used. Alternatives such as "psychogenic seizures," "dissociative seizures," "psychogenic nonepileptic attacks" (PNEA), and "nonepileptic seizures" are also used.

A Literature Review Of Current Treatments For The Hypermobility Subtype Of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, John Gericke, Mary Zsolway, Chelsea Reyes, Pooja Patel, Saad Ahmed, Julia Hwang, Venkateswar Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare pharmacologic intervention, neurocognitive therapy, physical therapy, and orthotics in treating the hypermobility subtype of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and determine which has the most positive effect on symptoms.

Introduction: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is an inheritable connective tissue disorder which results from a genetic mutation that alters the body’s ability to produce collagen. The most common subtype of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is hEDS, which leads to hypermobility and hyperextensibility and can cause frequent joint dislocations.

Methods: A review of literature was performed to compare each treatment based on reported results. The types of studies reviewed …

Comparing The Effectiveness Of Hyaluronic Acid And Dextrose Prolotherapy Injections In The Treatment Of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Sara Ragab, Sami Dakhel, Jonathan Elias, Hesham Abdelfattah

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Background: Lateral epicondylitis (LE), commonly referred to as tennis elbow, is characterized by micro-tears to the tendon origin that attaches to the outer portion of the elbow, with the extensor carpi radialis brevis being the most commonly affected tendon. It presents most often amongst manual workers and athletes that participate in repetitive movements. Patients may experience burning and aching sensations that can potentially radiate down to the wrist. Hyaluronic acid is a primary component of synovial fluid and has anti-inflammatory properties and also provides lubrication to joints. Prolotherapy involves injection of an irritant, most commonly dextrose, into the common extensor …

Impact Of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block On Septoplasty: A Meta-Analysis, Ayman Khatib, Jonathan Elias, Sami Dakhel, Piotr Domaszewski, Andrew Atschinow, Alexander King

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Objective: This Meta-Analysis aims to explore the impact of sphenopalatine ganglion block on intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgery, and postoperative pain.

Background: Sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) is a form of regional anesthesia that could be coupled with general anesthesia in Septoplasty. Septoplasty is one of the three most common procedures Otolaryngologists perform, which is commonly performed endoscopically. There is lack of research on benefits of Sphenopalatine ganglion block on septoplasty. One of the most common complications of septoplasty is excessive bleeding which may impact endoscopic visualization. Additionally, postoperative pain management is vital to decreasing hospital stay and …

Comparative Analysis Of Health Outcomes In Gastric Cancer: Robotic Vs. Laparoscopic Gastrectomy, Maftuna Kurbonnazarova

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Exploring the most effective surgical approach for gastrectomy is crucial for determining superior health outcomes in patients. This research compares robotic and laparoscopic techniques with the aim of pinpointing the optimal method, offering valuable insights for improved postoperative well-being.